Vietnam & Australia mark 25 years of agriculture cooperation

A total of 170 projects worth $77 million conducted in Vietnam over the 25 years of cooperation.

Veggie project in the Northern town of Moc Chau. Photo: Embassy of Australia

The governments of Vietnam and Australia celebrated their partnership and cooperation in agricultural research on April 11.

The anniversary is even more meaningful given the two countries are also celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations, said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E Craig Chittick. “Cooperation in the agriculture and forestry industries has been a very important part of Australia’s relationship with Vietnam throughout the 45 years of diplomatic links between the two countries,” he said. “Australia’s support to Vietnam through agricultural research collaboration has been consistent and efficient, as part of our larger aid program in Vietnam. I am proud to see that the support has greatly contributed to today’s Vietnam, particularly the transformation of Vietnam’s agricultural sector.”

The research collaboration has been led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) since 1993. It has invested around A$100 million ($77.5 million) in 170 projects and at the same time hundreds of postgraduate scholarships for Vietnamese researchers to study in Australia have been also provided. Many of these scientists are now research leaders.

ACIAR has recently announced its research collaboration strategy with Vietnam for 2017-2027, under which it will continue supporting the country in agricultural research for development, focusing on the northwest highlands, the central highlands, and the Mekong Delta.

ACIAR is a special partner of Vietnam in agricultural research and development. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing from Australia and the world through ACIAR have promoted research capacity in Vietnam, brought advances in science and technology, and contributed to poverty reduction, according to Dr. Le Quoc Doanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “The positive impact of these partnerships is reflected in the research and development of acacia and eucalypt plantations, the rapid expansion of the oyster industry, and the successful market engagement for fruit and vegetables from the northwest region, to give just three examples,” he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Andrew Campbell, ACIAR Chief Executive Officer, said that Australia has extensive research and development experience that it has been able to share with Vietnamese counterparts to build on their capabilities to tackle their problems more effectively. This includes expertise in horticulture and livestock production and marketing, food quality and safety assurance, water saving practices, plantation forest management, and aquaculture. “We believe that there is a significant benefit for both Australia and Vietnam to continue to nurture agricultural research exchange,” he said.

ACIAR is part of the Australian Government’s International Development Assistance Program and contributes to the program’s objectives of helping developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. It funds collaborative agricultural research for development projects carried out by Australian and international research institutions. These projects seek to solve agricultural problems in developing countries and Australia.